Friend app - Revision history

Sojourna at 23:11, 2 April 2026

2026-04-02T23:11:04Z

Toastom: Minor rewordings and fix italics

2026-02-16T02:33:43Z

Minor rewordings and fix italics

Drakeula: wikilinks. How will the company pay for service?

2025-10-04T19:27:05Z

wikilinks. How will the company pay for service?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 4 October 2025
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	}}		}}

	'''Friend''' is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversation & companionship.		'''Friend''' is a wearable [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) pendant device that claims to provide conversation and companionship.

	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==
	Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous or passive recording of video, audio, & biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, & deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous or passive recording of video, audio, and biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, and deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			There is a one-time payment to get the device. It is unclear how the company will pay for providing service without an ongoing subscription.

	==Capabilities & data practices==		==Capabilities & data practices==
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	==Legal & regulatory environment==		==Legal & regulatory environment==
	The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	===Precedents & industry comparisons===		===Precedents & industry comparisons===
	The Clearview AI litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The [[Clearview AI]] litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

Mr Pollo: weird website

2025-10-02T01:19:33Z

weird website

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:19, 2 October 2025
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	\|Category=AI chatbot, wearable		\|Category=AI chatbot, wearable
	\|ArticleType=Service		\|ArticleType=Service
	\|Website= https://friend.com		\|Website= https://friend.com/?page=hardware
	\|Description=“Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversational companionship, raising concerns about continuous recording and privacy liability.		\|Description=“Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversational companionship, raising concerns about continuous recording and privacy liability.
	}}		}}

Mr Pollo at 01:18, 2 October 2025

2025-10-02T01:18:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 2 October 2025
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	~~Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversation & companionship.~~{{ProductCargo		{{ProductCargo
	\|InProduction=Yes		\|InProduction=Yes
	\|Logo=FriendAI.png		\|Logo=FriendAI.png
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	\|Description=“Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversational companionship, raising concerns about continuous recording and privacy liability.		\|Description=“Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversational companionship, raising concerns about continuous recording and privacy liability.
	}}		}}

			'''Friend''' is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversation & companionship.

	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==

Mr Pollo: fixing references

2025-10-02T01:18:02Z

fixing references

Keith: Sentence case headings

2025-10-01T21:48:26Z

Sentence case headings

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 1 October 2025
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	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==
	Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous or passive recording of video, audio, & biometric data ~~in private settings~~. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, & deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous or passive recording of video, audio, & biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, & deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	==Capabilities & ~~Data Practices~~==		==Capabilities & data practices==
	Friend’s official privacy policy (v2) states that it serves as a “data controller” under GDPR & collects personal data from use of the services.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Friend’s official privacy policy (v2) states that it serves as a “data controller” under GDPR & collects personal data from use of the services.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

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	*Wired reported the pendant is always-on & continuously listening for conversation.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		*Wired reported the pendant is always-on & continuously listening for conversation.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	==Legal & ~~Regulatory Environment~~==		==Legal & regulatory environment==
	The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	===Precedents & ~~Industry Comparisons~~===		===Precedents & industry comparisons===
	The Clearview AI litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The Clearview AI litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	==Company ~~Responses~~ & ~~Disputes~~==		==Company responses & disputes==
	The company asserts that:		The company asserts that:
	*Friend does not store audio recordings permanently.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=2025-02-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		*Friend does not store audio recordings permanently.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=2025-02-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
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	Operational issues have been reported: the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Operational issues have been reported: the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	==Consumer ~~Concerns & Risks~~==		==Consumer response==
	Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks:		Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks for consumers:
	*Constant ambient recording of private environments.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		*Constant ambient recording of private environments.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	*Shifting liability to users for privacy violations of third parties.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		*Shifting liability to users for privacy violations of third parties.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
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	*Risk that deletion requests are ineffective once data is used to train AI models.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		*Risk that deletion requests are ineffective once data is used to train AI models.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	===Shipment ~~Delay~~ (January 2025)===		===Shipment delay (January 2025)===
	Friend announced initial shipments to preorder customers in Q1 2025 but later delayed deliveries until Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Friend announced initial shipments to preorder customers in Q1 2025 but later delayed deliveries until Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

Louis: fleshed out but still draft

2025-10-01T20:37:19Z

fleshed out but still draft

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 1 October 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{ProductCargo		Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversation & companionship.{{ProductCargo
	\|InProduction=No		\|InProduction=No
	\|ArticleType=Service		\|ArticleType=Service
	\|Description=~~Friend app has~~ continuous ~~biometric, audio, & video~~ recording ~~with~~ liability ~~shifted to users under the guise of offering a friend~~		\|Description=“Friend” is a wearable AI pendant device that claims to provide conversational companionship, raising concerns about continuous recording and privacy liability.
	}}		}}
	~~{{Ph-C-Int}}~~

	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==
	{{Ph-C-~~CIS~~}}		Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous or passive recording of video, audio, & biometric data in private settings. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, & deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	==~~Incidents~~==		==Capabilities & Data Practices==
	{{Ph-C-~~Inc}}~~		Friend’s official privacy policy (v2) states that it serves as a “data controller” under GDPR & collects personal data from use of the services.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	~~This is a list of all consumer~~-~~protection incidents related to this product~~. ~~Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[~~:~~Category:{{PAGENAME}}~~\|~~{{PAGENAME~~}} ~~category]].~~

	===~~Example incident one (''~~date~~'')~~===		Key practices include:
	{{~~Main~~\|~~link to the main CR Wiki article~~}}		*Collection of name, phone, email, account credentials, uploaded content, & ambient video/audio from device surroundings.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	~~Short summary~~ of ~~the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article)~~.		*Collection of biometric data including facial & voice recognition.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	===~~Example incident two (''~~date~~'')~~===		*Retention of data for over five years if “legal, regulatory, or technical reasons” prevent deletion.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	...		*Use of personal data to train machine learning models powering Friend.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			Media reporting highlights possible discrepancies:
			*NBC Bay Area reported the company claims it “will not store any audio recordings.”<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=2025-02-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			*Wired reported the pendant is always-on & continuously listening for conversation.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			==Legal & Regulatory Environment==
			The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			===Precedents & Industry Comparisons===
			The Clearview AI litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			==Company Responses & Disputes==
			The company asserts that:
			*Friend does not store audio recordings permanently.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=2025-02-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			*Data deletion requests can be submitted, though model training may make deletion incomplete.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			Operational issues have been reported: the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			==Consumer Concerns & Risks==
			Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks:
			*Constant ambient recording of private environments.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025-03-15 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			*Shifting liability to users for privacy violations of third parties.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			*Biometric sensitivity: face & voice identifiers are permanent.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
			*Risk that deletion requests are ineffective once data is used to train AI models.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

			===Shipment Delay (January 2025)===
			Friend announced initial shipments to preorder customers in Q1 2025 but later delayed deliveries until Q3 2025.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
	~~{{Ph-C-SA}}~~		*[[Right to Repair]]
			*[[Biometric Information Privacy Act]]
			*[[Clearview AI]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:~~{{PAGENAME}}~~]]		[[Category:Friend AI Pendant]]
			[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
			[[Category:Privacy controversies]]

Louis: draft of a draft

2025-10-01T20:31:55Z

draft of a draft

New page

{{ProductCargo
|InProduction=No
|ArticleType=Service
|Description=Friend app has continuous biometric, audio, & video recording with liability shifted to users under the guise of offering a friend
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:11, 2 April 2026
Line 12:		Line 12:

	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==
	Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous recording of video, audio, and biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, and deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric data privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025~~-06-14~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous recording of video, audio, and biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, and deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric data privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA and various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=14 Jun 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	There is a one-time payment to get the device. It is unclear how the company will be able to provide ongoing service without a user subscription.		There is a one-time payment to get the device. It is unclear how the company will be able to provide ongoing service without a user subscription.

	==Capabilities & data practices==		==Capabilities and data practices==
	Friend’s official privacy policy (v2) states that it serves as a “data controller” under GDPR & collects personal data from use of the services.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		Friend’s official privacy policy (v2) states that it serves as a “data controller” under GDPR and collects personal data from use of the services.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />

	Key practices include:		Key practices include:
	*Collection of name, phone, ~~email~~, account credentials, uploaded content, & ambient video/audio from device surroundings.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Collection of name, phone, e-mail, account credentials, uploaded content, and ambient video/audio from device surroundings.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />
	*Collection of biometric data including facial & voice recognition.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Collection of biometric data including facial and voice recognition.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />
	*Retention of data for over five years if ~~“legal~~, regulatory, or technical ~~reasons”~~ prevent deletion.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Retention of data for over five years if "legal, regulatory, or technical reasons" prevent deletion.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />
	*Use of personal data to train machine learning models powering Friend.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Use of personal data to train machine learning models powering Friend.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />

	Media reporting highlights possible discrepancies:		Media reporting highlights possible discrepancies:
	*NBC Bay Area reported the company claims it ~~“will~~ not store any audio recordings.”<ref name="NBC">{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=2025~~-02-01~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		*NBC Bay Area reported the company claims it "will not store any audio recordings."<ref name="NBC">{{cite web \|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|title=Meet the AI startup that wants to give you a friend \|website=NBC Bay Area \|date=1 Feb 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/friend-com-launches-product-preview/3611528/ \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>
	*Wired reported the pendant is always-on & continuously listening for conversation.<ref name="Wired">{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=2025~~-03-15~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		*Wired reported the pendant is always-on and continuously listening for conversation.<ref name="Wired">{{cite web \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|title=Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck \|website=Wired \|date=15 Mar 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.wired.com/story/friend-ai-pendant/ \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	==Legal & regulatory environment==		==Legal and regulatory environment==
	The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme ~~Court’s~~ 2019 ''Rosenbach'' decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025~~-06-01~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, and limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court's 2019 ''Rosenbach'' decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=1 Jun 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA and similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> Federal and state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	===Precedents & industry comparisons===		===Precedents and industry comparisons===
	The [[Clearview AI]] litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric data collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025~~-04-12~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		The [[Clearview AI]] litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric data collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=12 Apr 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	==Company responses & disputes==		==Company responses and disputes==
	The company asserts that:		The company asserts that:
	*Friend does not store audio recordings permanently.<ref name="NBC" />		*Friend does not store audio recordings permanently.<ref name="NBC" />
	*Data deletion requests can be submitted, though model training may make deletion incomplete.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Data deletion requests can be submitted, though model training may make deletion incomplete.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />

	Operational issues have been reported; the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025~~-01-20~~ \|access-date=2025~~-10-01~~ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025~~-10-01~~}}</ref>		Operational issues have been reported; the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=20 Jan 2025 \|access-date=1 Oct 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref>

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks for consumers:		Consumer advocates and analysts have identified key risks for consumers:
	*Constant ambient recording of private environments.<ref name="Wired" />		*Constant ambient recording of private environments.<ref name="Wired" />
	*Shifting liability to users for privacy violations of third parties.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Shifting liability to users for privacy violations of third parties.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />
	*Biometric sensitivity: face & voice identifiers are permanent.<ref name="KPMG" />		*Biometric sensitivity: face and voice identifiers are permanent.<ref name="KPMG" />
	*Risk that deletion requests are ineffective once data is used to train AI models.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Risk that deletion requests are ineffective once data is used to train AI models.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />

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	==References==		==References==
	{{~~reflist~~}}		{{Reflist}}

	[[Category:Friend AI Pendant]]		[[Category:Friend AI Pendant]]
	[[Category:Consumer electronics]]		[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
	[[Category:Privacy controversies]]		[[Category:Privacy controversies]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:33, 16 February 2026
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	}}		}}

	'''Friend''' is a wearable [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) pendant device that ~~claims~~ to provide conversation and companionship.		'''Friend''' is a wearable [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) pendant device that aims to provide conversation and companionship.

	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==
	Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous ~~or passive~~ recording of video, audio, and biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, and deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Users of the Friend device may be subject to continuous recording of video, audio, and biometric data. The company’s policies shift liability for recordings involving bystanders onto users. The device’s data retention, model training, and deletion practices raise questions under evolving biometric data privacy laws such as Illinois’ BIPA & various state-federal frameworks.<ref name="FriendPPv2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|title=Friend – Privacy Policy v2 \|website=Friend \|date=2025-06-14 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.friend.com/privacy.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	There is a one-time payment to get the device. It is unclear how the company will ~~pay for providing~~ service without ~~an ongoing~~ subscription.		There is a one-time payment to get the device. It is unclear how the company will be able to provide ongoing service without a user subscription.

	==Capabilities & data practices==		==Capabilities & data practices==
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	==Legal & regulatory environment==		==Legal & regulatory environment==
	The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 Rosenbach decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires entities to obtain written consent before collecting biometric identifiers, provide retention schedules, & limit data storage.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|title=Biometric Information Privacy Act \|website=Illinois General Assembly \|date=2008 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0994 \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> The Illinois Supreme Court’s 2019 ''Rosenbach'' decision expanded standing for consumers to sue.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|title=The Who, Why, and Where of Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=American Bar Association \|date=2025-06-01 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/resources/source/2025-june/biometric-privacy-litigation/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Analysts warn that devices like Friend raise risks under BIPA & similar laws, especially when data is used for AI training.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|title=Biometric Privacy and AI Legal Developments \|website=LexisNexis \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.lexisnexis.com/pdf/practical-guidance/ai/biometric-privacy-and-ai-legal-dev.pdf \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref> Federal & state regulators increasingly classify biometric identifiers as sensitive data requiring special protection.<ref name="KPMG">{{cite web \|url=https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|title=AI and Privacy: A Look at Biometric Tech & Data \|website=KPMG \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/ai-and-privacy-a-look-at-biometric-tech-and-data-reg-alert.html \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	===Precedents & industry comparisons===		===Precedents & industry comparisons===
	The [[Clearview AI]] litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		The [[Clearview AI]] litigation demonstrates how courts treat unauthorized biometric data collection. In 2025, Clearview agreed to a US$51.75 million settlement resolving claims under BIPA.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|title=$51.75M Settlement in Clearview AI Biometric Privacy Litigation \|website=Regulatory Oversight \|date=2025-04-12 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/04/51-75m-settlement-in-clearview-ai-biometric-privacy-litigation-illustrates-creative-resolution-for-startups-facing-parallel-litigation-and-enforcement-action/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>

	Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Competitor devices, such as the Limitless pendant, advertise a more limited data policy, not permitting ambient biometric capture.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|title=Privacy – Limitless \|website=Limitless.ai \|date=2025 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://www.limitless.ai/privacy \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
Line 44:		Line 44:
	*Data deletion requests can be submitted, though model training may make deletion incomplete.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />		*Data deletion requests can be submitted, though model training may make deletion incomplete.<ref name="FriendPPv2" />

	Operational issues have been reported: the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>		Operational issues have been reported; the company delayed initial shipments announced for Q1 2025 until at least Q3 2025.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|title=Friend delays shipments of its AI companion pendant \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2025-01-20 \|access-date=2025-10-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001000000/https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/friend-delays-shipments-of-its-ai-companion-pendant/ \|archive-date=2025-10-01}}</ref>
	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks for consumers:		Consumer advocates & analysts have identified key risks for consumers: